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Puerto Rican Arroz Con Pollo

Puerto Rican Arroz Con Pollo

Delight your senses with a culinary adventure to the enchanting Caribbean island of Puerto Rico through this mouthwatering Arroz con Pollo recipe.

A cherished staple of Puerto Rican cuisine, Arroz con Pollo artfully combines succulent chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice, creating a symphony of taste that captures the true essence of this vibrant culture.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the authentic flavors of Puerto Rico right in your own kitchen!

Puerto Rican Arroz con Pollo
“Savor the Taste of the Caribbean with Authentic Puerto Rican Arroz con Pollo! 🌴🍗 This traditional one-pot wonder is a burst of flavors that will transport you straight to the enchanting island of Puerto Rico. Prepare to be amazed by the delightful combination of succulent chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice that will leave you craving for more! 🍚

So those of you who read Serendipity and Spice regularly know that Hubs is from Puerto Rico.  Amazingly enough, I have never been….by the time we met and started dating his parents and siblings had already moved over here so we haven’t had the opportunity to visit.  BUT, that’s all changing this year!

Visiting the Island of Puerto Rico!

Now that we have Little Man it is imperative that we visit and introduce him to all of Hubs’ extended family….and I’m SUPER excited to be going….and with the perfect tour guide!!

A few things on our MUST DO list (aside from meeting family):

1.  Visiting El Yunque–  The only rainforest in the US National Parks!

2. Checking out Old San Juan–  Hubs says it’s like stepping back in time with it’s cobblestone streets, hidden gems around every corner with Artisans selling their masterpieces, the aroma of bakeries and restaurants wafting through the air….it’s the melding of old world charm and modern convienences meeting together and mixing perfectly.

3. Swimming in the Bioluminescent Bays— yeah, a night time swim sounds like the perfect escape….and what’s cooler than glowing under water!

4. A trip to Flamenco Beach— rated in the Top 10 Beaches in the World by The Travel Channel– even if we don’t make it Flamenco there’s 270 miles of coastline that’s often touted as the most beautiful beaches in the world!

5. Explore the Camuy Caverns– running through the 3rd largest subterranean river in the world.

We have a great deal planned for our trip and Hubs is super excited!  He can’t wait to revisit all of his childhood haunts and share his experiences with Little Man and myself!

The great thing about visiting Puerto Rico is that we don’t have to do a lot of pre-planning….it’s a US territory so no passports are needed and no currency exchange is required.  We can literally pack a bag and jump on a plane! 

So, to hold you over until your big trip to Puerto Rico, try this delicious classic dish that’s Hubs’ favorite meal from home!

A Puerto Rican Staple!

Looking to infuse your kitchen with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean? Look no further than the delightful Puerto Rican Arroz con Pollo recipe!

This traditional one-pot wonder combines succulent chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice, creating a mouthwatering symphony of tastes that will transport your taste buds to the enchanting island of Puerto Rico.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing this beloved dish, ensuring a memorable culinary experience for you and your loved ones.

Arroz Con Pollo

What is Arroz Con Pollo?

Arroz con Pollo, which translates to “rice with chicken” in English, is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. This iconic dish brings together the rich culinary influences of Spain, Africa, and the indigenous Taíno people, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that make it uniquely Puerto Rican.

Puerto Rican Arroz Con Pollo FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

While traditional Arroz con Pollo calls for chicken pieces with bones, you can use boneless chicken if preferred. However, using bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the dish.

Is saffron necessary, and can I substitute it with something else?

Saffron is a traditional ingredient that imparts a distinct flavor and vibrant color to the dish. If you don’t have saffron, you can substitute it with Sazon seasoning packets. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make Arroz con Pollo in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain its moisture and flavors.

What type of rice is best for Arroz con Pollo?

Long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, works best for Arroz con Pollo. Avoid using sticky or short-grain rice as it may result in a mushy texture.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to enhance the nutritional value and add more color to the dish. Add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they are tender but not overcooked.

Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought tomato sauce, but for a more authentic taste, consider making your own by blending fresh tomatoes with garlic and onions.

Or, check your grocery store to see if they carry Sofrito.

Printable Arroz Con Pollo Recipe

Arroz Con Pollo Recipe
Yield: 4

Arroz Con Pollo Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (about 1 kg) of chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
  • 2 cups of long-grain rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of tomato sauce
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup of olives (Manzanilla or Spanish green olives are preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons of capers
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads (or achiote powder for color)
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

    Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

    To kickstart the flavor, marinate the chicken pieces with a mix of olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover the chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (overnight for the best results).

    Step 2: Sear the Chicken

    In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove excess marinade from the chicken and sear the pieces until they turn golden brown on all sides. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.

    Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

    In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onions, bell pepper, and garlic until they become soft and fragrant.

    Step 4: Incorporate the Rice and Seasonings

    Add the long-grain rice to the pot and stir it together with the sautéed vegetables. Toast the rice for a couple of minutes until it's coated in the aromatic oils.

    Step 5: Infuse the Flavor

    Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, along with the saffron threads (or achiote powder). This will infuse the dish with the beautiful yellow hue and authentic Puerto Rican flavors.

    Step 6: Cook the Chicken and Rice Together

    Carefully place the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Add the olives and capers, distributing them evenly.

    Step 7: Simmer to Perfection

    Cover the pot and let the Arroz con Pollo simmer over low heat for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the delicious flavors.

    Step 8: Garnish and Serve

    Once the rice is fully cooked, garnish your Arroz con Pollo with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and extra fragrance. Serve it hot and enjoy the delightful taste of Puerto Rico in every bite!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

More Delicious Puerto Rican Recipes to Try:

Sweet Plantains aka Platanos Maduros
Maduros are sweet plantains that are fried until they’re caramelized and golden brown – they’re perfect as a side dish or filling for empanadas.
Crock Pot Puerto Rican Beef Stew Recipe
This crock pot Puerto Rican beef stew recipe is a delicious one dish meal packed full of island flavors like Adobo and Sazon!
Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
Discover the benefits of homemade chicken bone broth and learn how to make it effortlessly using a slow cooker.
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Spiced Glazed Ham Recipe

Wednesday 14th of August 2019

[…] mornings when I want to make breakfast boats, a breakfast casserole, stuffed breakfast peppers, or arroz con pollo for dinner….I already have diced ham ready to go….and it tastes so much better than […]

Brenna @ Life After Laundry

Monday 28th of April 2014

I can't wait to go to PR one day! It looks amazing. Thanks for the recipe, I will be trying it soon.

Kathleen @ Fearlessly Creative Mammas

Sunday 27th of April 2014

Puerto Rico is someplace I've wanted to go to for a long time. My question for you is, do you need a nanny while you're gone? I'd be happy to help you out. :) Your recipe looks amazing too. Have a wonderful trip!!

Melissa

Sunday 27th of April 2014

LOL....oh we have plenty of family volunteering to babysit! ;)

Glory

Friday 25th of April 2014

Hello!! As you know I am from PR too!! I am so glad you are visiting!! All the places you mentioned are awesome!! Also in San Juan, if some of the cruises are there, they can be seen soo close! Also, when in San Juan go to Bahia Urbana, is like a boardwalk, really nice, at the end, there is a carousel for the lil guy! If you go to Camuy Caverns, you can go to Cueva del Indio (Indio Cavern) and Cueva del Viento (Wind Cavern). Find them in the web! Specially, The Wind Cavern. Visit Piñones... there are lil kiosks with all kind of different fritters! Our island is so beautiful, I am happy that you guys are going to teach his roots to the lil guy! Hugs! Oh! And I love ARROZ CON POLLO!

Melissa

Friday 25th of April 2014

Thanks so much...we're really looking forward to it! All the pictures and stories I hear are about how beautiful the island is!! :) We'll definitely have to check out all the places you mentioned. Hubs also wants to visit the pigeon park...he used to love going there as a kid and thinks Little Man will love it!

Hezzi-D

Thursday 24th of April 2014

I wanted to go to Puerto Rico so badly! Our cruise was scheduled to go but due to a hurricane we had to reroute.

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